Wasn't exactly sure where to put this, as it deals with Quixote too, but when Gulliver and LJS were in Japan, why was Silver able to speak plain English and be understood, but Gulliver couldn't understand what they were saying? Similarly, why was Quixote able to speak and understand English, despite being an early-17th century Spaniard?

Really, I'd assume some sort of meta-fictional translation thingy, kinda like Doctor Who only magic instead of tech, but then why didn't this apply to Gulliver as well?